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AU Special Representative Congratulates Rwanda Peacekeepers in CAR

{{The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Chief of MISCA, Gen. (rtd) Jean Marie Michel MOKOKO has conveyed a congratulatory message to Peacekeepers of Rwanda Mechanised Infantry Battalion (RwaMechBatt1) serving in the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), on International Labour Day, 1st May 2014 for the work done.}}

“On this International Labour Day, May 1, 2014, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Rwandan contingent of MISCA Forces for the work done to date and the results obtained since December 19, 2013.

I take this opportunity to reiterate to the Rwandan contingent in MISCA my encouragement and my gratitude for the sacrifices made on a daily basis.

I would like on this occasion also to salute your commitment, professionalism and your courage and selflessness in the accomplishment of our mission”, reads part of the message translated from French.

Under the MISCA Mandate, Rwanda Peacekeepers are charged with protecting civilians, stabilising the country, restoring State authority over the territory, as well as creating conditions conducive to the provision of humanitarian assistance.

RwaMechBatt1 peacekeepers first opened the 700 km humanitarian Corridor on 27 January 2014.

Bangui and CAR had been cut off from supplies by armed groups controlling the Bangui-Cameroon main supply route that connects it to the sea port of Douala in Cameroon.

They escorted to safe zone more than 5000 Muslims along the 700km route, who were under threat attack, provided medical care and shared food with local residents.

The Rwanda Peacekeepers have introduced Umuganda (community work) in Bangui as one the Home Grown Solutions to contributing to socio-economic development of the country.

This, together with aggressive peacekeeping and international community support will see CAR get out of crisis and develop as required.

{General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko (in blue shirt), AU Peace and Security Department Director Mr. Elghassim Wane together with Rwandan Contingent Commander in MISCA, Lt Col JP Karangwa on 13 February 2014 in Bangui. Photo MoD}

May 1, 2014
Rwandans in Turkey Mark 20th Commemoration of Genocide

{{Rwandans in Turkey gathered to mark the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against ethnic Tutsi in Rwanda which claimed over a million lives.}}

The commemoration event organised by the Rwandan embassy in Turkey, was held on April 29th at Gazi University in Ankara.

Present at the event included Rwandan Embassy officials, Turkish government officials, diplomats accredited to the Republic of Turkey, members of academia, Rwandan students community, businesspeople, media and ordinary Turkish people coming together to honour victims of the Genocide.

During the commemoration event, several speakers presented on Rwanda’s history and commended the tremendous recovery and the current development of Rwanda after the tragedy of 1994 under the theme ‘Remember – Unite – Renew.

According to Rwanda’s envoy to Turkey Caesar Kayizari; Remembrance, Unity and a shared future is for every Rwandan and this has enabled all Rwandans to live and work together in dignity.

“Remembrance and unity provide a preventative weapon against violence and denial. Truth lights the ways from darkness, bringing clarity and positive visions for the future’ affirmed the Rwandan,” he said.

Ambassador Kayizari said 20 years later after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Unity and reconciliation have been key elements in a quick reclamation of Rwanda.

“Since 1994, Rwanda has been moving forward in development at all levels to ensure that the country recovers fully from the destructions caused by the Genocide in both human and material resources. Rwanda has emerged stronger from this tragedy. It is in the dignity and serenity that invite us to commemorate the Genocide,” He said.

Ambassador Kayizari noted; “Today, Rwanda has a voice on the international stage and enjoys respect among the nations of the world. All Rwandans now have a sense of pride and dignity in being Rwandan. This is mainly because Rwanda is today a country that is based on sound principles such as promoting national unity and education for all, giving Rwandans equal rights and opportunities, power-sharing, building democracy based on different ideas and opinions and the right of choice, the rule of law, and a firm development vision that has enabled Rwanda to be where it is now as good progress continue to be made in all key areas of development.”

He added, “We owe all these developments to the good leadership and good governance that has taken root in our country. Through decentralisation, services have been brought closer to the people. Rwandans have a bigger role in choosing their own leaders and a say in programmes intended for them.”

May 1, 2014
MTN Makes it onto World Champions List

{{MTN Group has been named as the only South African company on the World Champions list. }}

The list, compiled by analysts from American multinational financial services company, Citi Group, names global companies dominating their respective industries.

Companies on the list must have a market value in excess of R30bn, be in the top three in terms of market share in their segment, and have global reach as well as a lasting sustainable business model.

“Being named on the World Champions list is exciting and humbling, especially as MTN commemorates its 20th anniversary this year.

This global recognition signifies that we continue to play a vital role in our industry,” says MTN Group President and CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa.

MTN has been listed alongside iconic global companies including Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft.

On why MTN has been chosen as one of the World Champions, the list states the company operates in 21 countries, is the number 1 player in 15 of its markets and number 2 in the rest.

Dabengwa says MTN is a pioneering company, and continues to look at ways to enhance shareholder value and transform the lives of its customers through technology. He attributes this as being a key reason for the company’s success thus far.

From a single licence in South Africa awarded in 1994, MTN has invested hundreds of billions of rand in state-of-the-art networks and licences to now connect 210,1 million people in 22 countries across Africa and the Middle East.

From basic voice calls and messaging services, MTN has broadened its offering to include numerous innovative communication, content and entertainment services.

May 1, 2014
Communique for 12th EAC Extra Ordinary Summit

May 1, 2014
Kenya Airways & Kulula Sign Code Sharing Deal

{{Kenya Airways (KQ) has expanded its operations in South Africa by signing a code sharing deal with the country’s largest low cost carrier Kulula.com.}}

As part of the deal, KQ passengers will be able to link with major domestic destinations in South Africa including Durban, Georgetown and East London.

The new agreement is expected to increase competition between the two major African Airlines – South African Airways and KQ – for the South African domestic market.

“The partnership offers us opportunity to reach markets in which we are not present. It will stimulate additional demand,” said Gerald Clarke, commercial manager, Kenya Airways.

While Kulula.com is the only privately owned South African low-cost carrier, KQ operates three daily flights into Johannesburg.

The deal with Kulula.com is expected to offer seamless connection to four South African cities.

Passengers will be able to book a ticket to their destination in South Africa and be connected via Kulula.com on reaching Johannesburg.

Kenya Airways intends to place their code (KQ) on all South African domestic routes currently serviced by Kulula which include Cape Town, Durban, George and East London while kulula.com intends to place their code (MN) on the multiple daily Kenya Airways services between Johannesburg and Nairobi.

{africanreview}

May 1, 2014
SMC to Step up Diamond Hunt in Angola

{{Sociedade Mineira de Catoca (SMC) has declared its intention to invest in the discovery of new diamond reserves in Angola as it aims to increase its production.}}

Ganga Júnior, CEO of SMC, told the Angola Press Agency (ANGOP) that the organisation would target new areas within the country’s seven diamond concessions, placing a particular focus on concessions in Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje and Kwanza Sul, which Júnior said also held other mineral resources.

Júnior confirmed that geological prospecting works was already underway, adding that the Chiuso concession, which will be expected to create 600 new jobs, had been scheduled to begin operations in 2016.

The Catoca diamond mine, the fourth largest diamond mine in the world, is located in Angola’s Lunda Sul province, producing 8.3 million carats and generating a total net revenue of US$1.2bn.

{africanreview}

May 1, 2014
Burkina Faso Court Refuses to Rule on Thomas Sankara

{{A court in Burkina Faso has refused to rule on a request by the family of ex-President Thomas Sankara for his body to be exhumed for DNA tests.}}

His relatives and supporters condemned the decision, saying they wanted proof that it was his body.

The High Court said it lacked jurisdiction over the case.

Seen by many as Africa’s Che Guevara, Mr Sankara was hastily buried after being killed during a 1987 coup led by incumbent President Blaise Compaore.

The anti-imperialist revolutionary became president in 1983 after an internal power struggle and led his country for four years.

The court’s ruling was greeted with outrage and contempt by Mr Sankara’s relatives and supporters, reports journalist Chris Simpson from the capital, Ouagadougou.

{{‘Incorruptible’}}

Campaigners say the family never had the chance to identify his body before he was buried in the capital’s Dagnoen cemetery.

About 100 people protested outside court, chanting “down with the Burkinabe judiciary” and “when will the Burkinabe people know the truth?”.

Mr Sankara was killed by a group of soldiers at the age of 37.

Public interest in Mr Sankara remains high in Burkina Faso, with opposition group demanding answers about his death, correspondents say.

Family lawyer Benewende Sankara said he would appeal against the decision.

President Compaore has so far refused to agree to Mr Sankara’s exhumation, and has always denied being involved in the ex-leader’s killing, Chris Simpson reports.

Mr Compaore insists the “facts are known” and he has “nothing to hide”, he adds.

When Thomas Sankara took power in 1983 he changed the West African state’s colonial name of Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means “the land of upright men”.

His supporters say he was incorruptible, unlike many other African leaders.

Mr Sankara was seen as charismatic and wore a beret, leading to comparisons with the Latin American revolutionary Che Guevara.

Many taxis across West Africa still have a round sticker of him on their windscreens.

AFP

May 1, 2014
Three Arrested in Foiled Theft Plan

{{Police in Gasabo district foiled a plan of three men who were trying to steal five motorcycles belonging to Association de Development et de Transformation Sociale (ADTS).}}

The three men were arrested red handed on April 28 at the stores of ADTS in Murama cell, Kinyinya sector of Gasabo district as they were loading the motorcycles on a truck registration number RAB 615C, Daihatsu type.

Those arrested include a security guard, who had a key to the store, a truck driver and another man, who had secured buyers.

They are currently detained at Gisozi Police station as investigations continue.

The security guard identified as Fidel Twagirimana, confessed to the crime adding that they had secured buyers in Biryogo, a suburb in Nyarugenge district.

“I had a store key and I opened for them (accomplices) and also helped them to load them on the vehicle,” Twagirimana, who begged for forgiveness, said.

Jean Bosco Kagorora, of ADTS director of finance said they came to know of the foiled theft the following day.

He thanked the Rwanda National Police for and saving their motorcycles and arresting the suspects.

Kagorora said the motorcycles are worth Rwf13.5 million.

Chief Supt. Danny Ndayambaje, the District Police Commander said the foiled plan followed credible information provided by members of the public who knew the trio’s criminal move.

“We have to continue working together to prevent such thefts and other criminal activities that might affect the public’s security and safety,” Chief Supt. Ndayambaje said.

He also appealed to the companies and the business community to always monitor deeds and conduct of their employees to help them find out trustworthy ones.

He further called upon the general community to always report in time anything that may threaten their safety.

RNP

May 1, 2014
AU Suspends Peace Talks on Sudan’s Two Areas

{{The African Union’s (AU) mediation team suspended the stalled peace process aimed at ending the conflict in Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile states on Wednesday, as the government and rebel delegations once again failed to conclude a framework agreement.}}

Last March, the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) asked the head of the AU High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to broker the talks in order to reach an agreement by 30 April 2014.

On 22 April, chief mediator Thabo Mbeki submitted an amended version to the two parties providing to discuss a cessation of hostilities, humanitarian assistance, and political issues related to the Two Areas.

Besides that the mediation proposed to discuss the national dialogue process to achieve democratic transition in the country.

After failing during the past nine days to bridge the gaps between the two parties, the AUHIP mediators on Wednesday evening announced the suspension of the talks. The mediators are expected to report to the AUPSC for further guidance.

The mediation will present a detailed report to the Peace and Security Council,” said an African diplomat close to the file. He further said that the two parties are responsible for the failure of the negotiations.

sudantribune

May 1, 2014
Double Explosions Hit India Express Train

{{One woman has been killed and nine others injured in a bomb attack aboard a train at a station in the southern Indian city of Chennai, officials say.

Explosions were reported in two carriages of the train, which was travelling from Bangalore in the south to Guwahati in the north-east.

The incident happened minutes after the express train arrived at the station.}}

Officials told media that the explosions were “low intensity” and took place under passenger seats.

The blasts come in the middle of India’s staggered general election, but officials say they cannot confirm if the two events are linked.

Some Indian television channels are speculating about who may have been behind the attack, but the authorities say they are keeping an open mind.

May 1, 2014